Endoscopy

Simply put, an endoscopy is a small camera on the end of a tube that is inserted into the body and takes videos as it is passed through. There are two types of diagnostic endoscopes that we use here at Mid-Rivers Equine Centre:

A traditional endoscope, which allows our doctors to view the internal systems of a horse, like the airway and stomach, while it is a rest.

A dynamic endoscope is designed to examine the horse while it is active to diagnose conditions like laryngeal hemiplegia that only appear when the horse is exercising.

When you are purchasing a horse, an endoscopy may be part of the pre-purchase exam. This will help ensure that the horse you are considering buying is healthy.

What To Expect From An Endoscopy

Depending on the type of endoscopy your horse requires, your horse will be mildly sedated for both their safety and the safety of the doctors and technicians—especially if undergoing a traditional endoscopy. If your horse is undergoing a dynamic endoscopy, it will be fitted with an endoscope and attached to a special-made bridal, with the recording device or transmitter attached to the sulky or rider. In this case, the horse will not be sedated.

If your horse is having their stomach scoped (also known as a gastroscopy), be sure to fast them for 12 hours prior to the exam. This will empty the stomach and allow for better viewing and diagnosis of conditions such as ulcers. If needed, a cytology brush can be passed through the endoscope to take samples for cultivation and diagnosis.